Cranberry And Orange Salad
A vibrant cranberry and orange salad featuring fresh fruit, tart cranberries, and colorful gelatin layers, perfect for festive gatherings or refreshing side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind raw cranberries.
- Add sugar to cranberries and mix well.
- Dissolve lemon and cherry gelatin in boiling water.
- Grind apple and orange (peel and unpeeled).
- When the gelatin mixture is cold and beginning to thicken, combine with cranberries, apple, and orange.
- Pour the mixture into a greased mold or individual molds and chill until set.
- Serve on lettuce leaves and garnish with mayonnaise if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter salad, adjust the sugar to your taste, starting with 1 cup and adding more if desired. If cranberries are unavailable, consider using frozen cranberries. To enhance flavor, add chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon. For a vegan version, omit the mayonnaise or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad is a delightful side dish for holiday meals or gatherings. It pairs beautifully with traditional roasted meats or vegetarian dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light protein like grilled chicken or fish. Garnish with fresh mint for an extra pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, but if it thickens too much, adding a splash of water or fruit juice can help restore its texture before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry And Orange Salad contains roughly 285 calories, with 1g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of whole oranges?
Yes, fresh orange juice can be used instead of whole oranges for a smoother texture. However, for added texture and flavor, including some zest or chopped orange segments is recommended.
Is it necessary to use both lemon and cherry gelatin?
Using both lemon and cherry gelatin adds depth to the flavor profile, but you can substitute one with another if you prefer. Experimenting with different flavors like raspberry or cranberry gelatin can also yield delicious results.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
This salad can be made a day in advance. Prepare the mixture and pour it into molds, then refrigerate. Just ensure it is completely set before serving. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, allowing you to focus on other dishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).